HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of policies, patient rights information, and staff interview, it was determined the hospital failed to inform patients of all their visitation rights in writing. This had the potential to impact all patient's to interfere with the exercise of visitation rights. Findings include:

The policy, "VISITOR POLICY," undated, was reviewed. The policy addressed the patient's right to withdraw and deny visitation rights to anyone. It also stated, "THE HOSPITAL DOES NOT RESTRICT, LIMIT, OR OTHERWISE DENY VISITATION PRIVILEGES ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, GENDER IDENTITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR DISABILITY."

Patient admission information was reviewed. The admission packet included a form dated 5/31/11, "PATIENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES ADVANCED DIRECTIVE," that did not address visitation rights. The admission packet also included "PATIENT GUIDE," dated 8/28/15, that informed patient's of visiting hours and restrictions. It did not address the patient's right to receive visitors whom they designated, including, but not limited to, a spouse, domestic partner (including same-sex partner), another family member, or friend. It also did not include their right to withdraw or deny consent at any time.

A group interview was conducted on 10/25/16 at 11:40 AM with the Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Medical and Surgical Unit, and the Director of Women's and Children's Unit. They stated visitation rights were given to the patients upon arrival to the floor in a verbal manner. They also stated no written information was given to the patients or support person that addressed the right to withdraw or deny consent at any time. They stated the written visitation information did not include patient's right to receive visitors whom they designate, including, but not limited to, a spouse, domestic partner (including same-sex partner), another family member, or friend.

The hospital failed to ensure all patient's or support person received written information of visitation rights as they related to the denying of consent and whom they designate as a visitor.